What Kind of Teacher are You? Crafting a Teaching Philosophy to Guide Your Journey

As early career educators prepare their educational portfolios or promotions packets, they are expected to include a Teaching Philosophy. For many, this document is a challenge to write. What should be included? How do I describe my teaching as more than a catalog of lectures and tasks? What is the purpose of the requirement anyway? Few realize that a Teaching Philosophy can and should be drafted early in a career to serve as a map for a teaching journey. In this session, speakers will help participants explore the Teaching Philosophy and its value to them as educators. Through guided discussion, participants will explore the philosophical orientations of adult educators and identify their own orientations. They will consider the 5 key elements of a good Teaching Philosophy and complete a handout to outline a draft of their own individual Teaching Philosophy.

Presenters:

  • Leigh A. Patterson, MD, MAEd
  • Luan Lawson, MD, MAEd
Authors

  • Leigh A. Patterson, MD, MAED

    Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

    Dr. Leigh Patterson in the Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine and the Chief of Emergency Service Line for the ECU Health System. Dr. Patterson completed her residency at Louisiana State University in New Orleans and her fellowship in EM Ultrasound at Drexel College of Medicine. She completed her MAEd with a focus in Adult Education at East Carolina University and served as the Residency Director for Emergency Medicine.. She has worked in UME as a course director and as Chair of the Brody Executive Curriculum Committee. Following her time as Residency Director, Dr. Patterson served as the Associate Dean for Faculty Development. In this role, she also served as an Interim Chair for the Department of Pathology at ECU. She regularly mentors faculty on career planning and developing teaching skills. Dr. Patterson continues to enjoy a busy shift in the ED with residents and students. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and is an avid knitter.
  • LuanLawson

    Luan Lawson, MD

    Senior Associate Dean, Medical Education and Student Affairs

    Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

    Luan Lawson, MD, is the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs, and a professor of emergency medicine (EM), at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She has extensive experience in undergraduate medical education, with a particular focus on curriculum development, assessment, and team-based training. Previously, as Principal Investigator of the AMA Accelerating Change in Education grant at East Carolina University, Dr. Lawson led the development and implementation of key health systems science initiatives, including the Teachers of Quality Academy faculty development program, a health system transformation and leadership distinction track, and a longitudinal curriculum.

    Dr. Lawson has contributed nationally to medical education through her service on the USMLE Step # CCS Committee, National Board of Medical Examiners' EM Advanced Clinical Exam task force, and as a past president of the Clerkship Directors in Emergency Medicine (CDEM).

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